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What Is PHP?

PHP is a general-purpose scripting language that is used in creating Web pages, and can be embedded in HTML code. (PHP stands for "Hypertext Preprocessor," even though the acronym doesn't match up exactly.)

PHP is an open-source program, which means it's available for free on the Web. PHP can also be used across many platforms, such as Linux, many variations of the Unix system, Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows. PHP is a complete programming language and can be used for functions such as server-side scripting (using a web server to fulfill a user's request by running a script directly on the web server to generate dynamic HTML pages) or writing desktop applications.

However, PHP's true strength lies in its ability to access databases. PHP can access more than 20 different databases (including MySQL), and can manipulate the information within those databases based on input from an online user. PHP can also be used to output images, PDF files and even Flash movies from your website.

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of sources online to obtain PHP script, discuss PHP's merits, and even go through free tutorials on how to use PHP.

When you sign up for a Value Plus web hosting package from Freeservers.com, your service will include CGI access, including PHP. PHP is a type of CGI (Common Gateway Interface) that allows you to create dynamic applications on your website such as blogs, forums and calendars.